Clasp.



J. L. GWIRTZ.

CLASP.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 16, 1914.

1,104,259. Patented July 21, 1914 SJ vunwtoz ITE srarasrarnnr OFFIQE.

JACOB L. G-WIRTZ, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

CLASP.

certain new and useful Improvements in Clasps, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in clasps, the object of the invention beingto provide an improved construction of, clasp which is especially designed for securing the bow knotof a shoe string or ribbon so as to prevent anypossibility of the knot acciden-. tally: becoming untied. i

A further objectisflto provide a device of this character which is ornamental and attractive in appearance, and which may be used in connection with any form of how or knot and which will resemble anornamental buckle, yet operate as a secure deep to hold the knot on tie against movement.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts as will be more fully hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a fragmentary view illustrating the upper portion of a shoe showing my improved clasp in operative position. Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation of the clasp. Fig. 3 is a View in section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4; is a view in rear elevation of Fig. 2- Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is an inverted perspective view of one of the clasp members.

My improved clasp comprises two members 1 and 2. The member 1 is of general rectangular form preferably having a central opening 3 through which a portion of the bow or knot may be observed.

The member 1 at one end is provided with a flange 4 and at its sides with flanges 5 having serrated edges 6 to bite into the knot. At the other end of the member 1, adjacent the flanges 5, lugs 7 are provided and have beveled ends 8 and shoulders 9 to hold the member 2 in locked position as will now be explained.

The member 2 consists of a transverse bar 11 having ears 10 at its ends turning on a pin 10 located in openings 12 in the side flanges 5 of member 1. The member 2 is provided with normally parallel spring arms Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed February 16, 1914. Serial No; 818,879.

l3 integral with the bar 2 and having their side edges beveled as shown at 14, so that they will readily ride over the beveled surfaces 8, of the lugs 7 and spring into'locked engagement with the shoulders 9 1 of said lugs to holdthe two members of the clasp in looking position. The arms 13, at their outer edges, are recessed as shown at 15 to provide ample space for the string 16 or other flexible device forming the knot. In Fig. 1, I illustrate an ordinary shoe string in connection with a section of shoe 17 and show my improved clasp as holding the knottedportion of the shoe string.

I In operation the two members of the clasp are swung apart, and the arms 13 move into position back of the knot. The member. 1 is thenpressed downwardly until the lugs 7 interlock with the arms as clearly shown. In forcing theparts to this locked position, the serrated edges 6 of the flanges 5 will bite into the string or other tie and the parts will be held -againstaccidentalstring cannot movement so that the shoe work loose. a v H While I have illustrated my improved clasp in connection with a shoe string, 1

a would have it understood that it is adapted for use in connection with bow knots of any sort in connection with shoes or for any other purpose, and hence my invention is not limited to the particular use, although it is especially adapted for use in connection with shoes.

To release the clasp, it is necessary to press the arms 13 toward each other, and this may be readily accomplished as the arms project beyond the end of the member 1 and can be grasped between the thumb and fore-finger and pressed together.

It is to be understood, of course, that the parts will be of spring metal so that they will spring into position and permit of sufiicient flexibility for normal operation. My improved clasp may be ornamented in various ways, and when in use will resemble a buckle and rather ornament the shoe than otherwise.

Various slight changes might be made in the general form and arrangement of parts described without departing from my invention, and hence I do not limit myself to the precise details set forth, but consider myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A clasp, comprising two members, one member having side flanges, and beveled lugs at one end, the other member pivotally connected at one end to the side flanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs, substantially as described.

2. A clasp, comprising two members, one member having side flanges, and beveled lugs at one end, the other member-pivotally connected at one end to the side flanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs, and said arms having their outer ec ges recessed, substantially as described.

3. A clasp comprising two members, one member having a flange at one end, serrated flanges at its side edges, and beveled lugs at its other end, the other member pivotally connected at one end to the side flanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs by lateral spring pressure, substantially as described.

4. A clasp comprising two members, one member having a flange at one end, serrated flanges at its side edges, and beveled lugs at its other end, the other member pivotally connected at one end to the side flanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs by lateral spring pressure,

I said arms having beveled side edges to cooperate with the beveled lugs in forcing the arms into locked position, substantially as described.

5. A clasp comprising two members, one member having a flange at one end, serrated flanges at its side edges, and beveled lugs at its other end, the other member pivotally connected at one end to the sideflanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs by lateral spring pressure, said arms recessed in their side edges adjacent the serrated edges of the side flanges of the first-mentioned member, substantially as described.

6. A clasp comprising two members, one member having a flange at one end, serrated flanges at its side edges, and beveled lugs at its other end, the other member pivotally connected at one end tothe side flanges and having two spring arms adapted to lock with the said lugs by lateral spring pressure, said arms having beveled side edges to cooperate with the beveled lugs in forcing the arms into locked position, said arms recessed in their side edges adjacent the serrated edges of the side flanges of the firstmentioned member, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JACOB L. GWIRTZ.

Witnesses:

M. E. Drr'rns, Lnwrs E. Gwrn'rz.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G." 

